Two accounting bodies enter service agreement

Two Australian accounting bodies have announced today that they have entered a new service agreement, aimed to further extend benefits to their respective membership bases and the small business community.

The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), which have shared office accommodation in Melbourne since 2009, have entered a new service agreement.

The agreement is designed to benefit both membership bases and strengthen their shared voice on behalf of small business.

“This new agreement with the AAT will enhance the IPA and AAT’s capacity to work more closely together to provide end-to-end service for the sector,” IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway said.

“We continue our advocacy effort on behalf of small business in Australia and other jurisdictions including Asia and the UK. Recognising the value that accounting technicians bring to the SME sector, we believe that AAT members have a natural place within the accounting profession and the IPA family.”

Mr Conway said that the new agreement will see the two bodies not only sharing office space but working together in relation to member education, networking opportunities and advocacy work.

“We will be working with AAT to extend new member benefits which will include: further education pathways; access to continuous professional development; discussion groups and networking opportunities; technical advice; and, ongoing advocacy that works in the best interests of members and small business,” Mr Conway said.